Military experts from all over the world ...

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2000)

... were brought in to make this film, and it shows. Some people complain that there's not as much gore as SPR, but that's not the point. This is a wide-view movie, and death is presented within that view, i.e., we see hoards of men running up the beach, and hundreds being shot down as they run.
The hardware is terrific! No stock scenes here - the producers brought in WWII ships, tanks, guns, etc. for an exceptionally authentic look. Three thousand members of the French military were used as extras. Shot in Normandy, France, the scenes are accurate, too. The decision to film in black and white was terrific. Everything is in shades of gray.
If you ever get a chance, read about the openings of the film, first in France, then in New York. And remember, this is less than 20 years after WWII.
In New York, veterans of the invasion marched in dress uniforms under signs declaring "Omaha", "Utah", "Gold", "Juno", and "Sword".
At any rate, this is one of the few definitive WWII movies, and will remain so.